We advance the long-term competitiveness of Iowa soybean farmers.
ISA MISSION
Driven to deliver opportunities for Iowa soybean farmers to thrive.
Iowa Soybean Review is published monthly by: Iowa Soybean Association 1255 SW Prairie Trail Parkway, Ankeny, Iowa 50023 (515) 251-8640 | iasoybeans.com
E-mail: bbaratta@iasoybeans.com
For advertising information contact Bethany Baratta at (515) 334-1020 or bbaratta@iasoybeans.com
September 2025 | Vol. 38, No. 12
4 Clock Builders, Not Time Tellers
It’s easy to be tempted by quick fixes, but that’s not the Iowa Soybean Association way.
8 Your Partners in On-farm Conservation
Meet the team dedicated to helping farmers meet conservation goals.
18 From Firefighting to Farming
Tips to stay safe this harvest from a firefighter-farmer.
24
Protecting Seed Innovation
A treasure trove of germplasm key to future traits.
On the Cover: Meet Iowa Soybean Association’s conservation team: Brock Webb, Alex Buseman, Evan Brehm, Todd Sutphin, Mike Gilman, Rob Davis and Brandon Iddings. In this issue, learn how this team provides year-round support to farmers through planning and project implementation. Learn more starting on Page 8.
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Executive Insights
Kirk Leeds,
ISA
Chief Executive Officer kleeds@iasoybeans.com
Clock Builders, Not Time Tellers
In agriculture, where weather, markets and policies can shift overnight, lasting success doesn’t come from flashy fixes or headlineworthy wins. It comes from building something that endures.
That’s why the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) doesn’t just “tell time.” Instead, we build clocks.
Business author Jim Collins coined this phrase in his book, “Built to Last.” Time tellers, he writes, are those who rely on one great idea or one brilliant leader to make things happen. Clock builders, on the other hand, are leaders and organizations that create systems and structures that keep ticking long after a project is completed or any one person is gone.
It’s easy to be tempted by quick fixes. Time tellers love short-term wins, like a flashy new tool, onetime event, or feel-good moment in the spotlight.
That’s not the ISA way. Real progress means building systems that work year after year. Examples include ISA’s Research Center for Farming Innovation (RCFI) and the Iowa Soybean Research Center. Sustained investments in data-driven,
farmer-led research are the building blocks in a larger system designed to improve agronomic, environmental and economic outcomes over time.
Improving soil health and water quality isn’t about checking boxes or chasing headlines. It’s about doing the foundational work — measuring, modeling and adapting practices — so we can build something durable and meaningful for agriculture and for all of Iowa.
Clock builders don’t rely on a single leader to carry the vision. They build leadership systems that enable continuity of effort and outcomes over many years.
ISA is proud of its farmer-led board, emphasis on governance training, and developing emerging leaders. When board terms end and new members step in, the mission doesn’t change.
Clock builders also select ideas and technologies that stand the test of time.
ISA supports digital tools, conservation systems, and new soybean uses that are transformative, not trendy. Whether it’s improving variable-rate seeding strategies,
advancing expanded biofuel markets, or finding new pathways for renewable soy-based products, we back innovation that supports longterm farmer and industry success. We always ask, “Will this work for more than one growing season?” “Is it scalable?” “Does it add value for farmers in measurable ways?” Asking the right questions keeps us focused. Our market development and policy advocacy programs are also built to serve generations of farmers. That’s why we build partnerships that last and constantly revisit our strategic plan to ensure we’re staying true to our mission.
Clock building isn’t flashy. It takes patience, persistence and willingness to think beyond the next quarter or crop year. It’s also what makes ISA different and effective.
We’re not here to tell time. We are here to build the clock and keep it ticking for future generations of soybean farmers.
Step Back, See More
SRural Route 2
Editor’s Note by Bethany Baratta bbaratta@iasoybeans.com
uspended somewhere between the clouds and the chaos, my son and I opted for the bird’s-eye view of the Iowa State Fair.
Below us, winding lines snaked toward the newest on-a-stick food offerings and the carnival thrill rides.
In front of us, feet dangling from other sky glider passengers seeking the same reprieve from the fair. We had been traversing the fair, bouncing between barns, buildings and the Big Boar, and our legs had grown weary.
This reset gave us another perspective of our beloved state fair. Above the noise, we spotted the biodiesel-powered trams carting passengers from one stop to another. Ball caps dotted the scene; we could have made an I Spy game out of the various colors and sights below.
The sky glider reminded me that stepping back — or up — brings clarity. From above, we could see where we were — and how far we’d come.
Soon, you’ll have the opportunity to do the same. From planning to planting and harvest, you’ve spent the majority of the year “in the row” — focused on developing this year’s crop.
After ‘ground-truthing’ the planting and management decisions you’ve made for your crops
this year, you’ll get to see the bigger picture. Was your seeding population the right fit? Did that decision to plant early pan out? You’ve done your part; Mother Nature was another variable beyond your control. After harvest, when the equipment is put away and every bean and kernel has a home, you’ll see your crops from a different view. From that higher vantage point, the picture becomes clearer — not just of what was, but of what could be. You’ll see the progress and the beauty.
From that perspective, you’ll make decisions for next year’s growing season. Like our view from the sky glider, you’ll plan your next stop on your journey. While it might not be the Snakes Alive attraction at the Iowa State Fair, it might illuminate another opportunity.
Next year, your view might look different. Mine might, too. But no matter which cart we ride in, the journey is worth it — especially when we take time to look around and take it all in.
Take care,
Your Partners in On-Farm Conservation
Helping Iowa farmers turn conservation goals into on-farm success
The Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) takes pride in being a trusted resource in conservation for farmers.
“We work with farmers one-on-one on conservation-related issues that make sense for their operations,” says Todd Sutphin, ISA conservation services and program lead. “Whether it's offering technical assistance, guiding implementation or even supporting applied research, we meet farmers where they are at and help move them toward solutions.”
“Farmers already focus on productivity and profitability every day,” he says. “ISA's Conservation Services and Program Team's role is to bring in the sustainability leg, helping farmers stay productive and profitable while protecting their land and water.”
Success stories
Innovation has been key to building ISA's strong foundation of conservation achievements.
“After all, 'innovation' is part of our name,” says Sutphin. “Through the Research Center for Farming Innovation, ISA is positioned to identify and explore emerging conservation practices.”
design of wetlands, buffers, pollinator habitats and other water quality solutions.
ISA’s goal is to help farmers adopt and explore proven strategies that protect natural resources and improve long-term productivity.
“Looking toward the future, when a farmer's thinking about conservation in Iowa, I want them to think about ISA and reaching out to us for help,” says Sutphin. “I truly believe that agronomy and conservation can work hand in hand on anyone's farm. There are opportunities for success on both sides.”
Sutphin leads the strategic development and implementation of conservation programs for the Iowa Soybean Association's Research Center for Farming Innovation (RCFI). With 23 years at ISA, he's witnessed firsthand the growth in both implementation and funding for conservation practices.
“ISA has played a huge role in shaping the landscape in Iowa and how water quality is being addressed at the farm scale,” he says.
According to Sutphin, it's like a threelegged stool, balanced on productivity, profitability and sustainability.
There have been some big milestones. One of the few commodity groups in the country to operate a certified water monitoring lab, ISA has long led efforts to improve water quality and conservation practices.
It was among the first to place conservation agronomists in ag retail, connecting farmers with trusted advisors where they already do business. Early efforts also included the construction of bioreactors, oxbow restorations and drainage water management practices. That leadership continues today through support for watershed planning and the
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Todd Sutphin, ISA conservation services and program lead
KRISS NELSON JOCLYN KUBOUSHEK
Mike Gilman, senior conservation program manager
What experience do you bring as a senior conservation program manager?
I grew up on a farm near Creston and bring over 25 years of experience in agriculture, agronomy, sales and management. This background helps me connect with farmers and focus on what matters most to their operations. In my previous position, which offered precision agronomy consulting, I had a strong focus on field-level conservation. After two years at ISA leading the conservation agronomy team, I have gained great insight into on-farm conservation and a deep understanding of the details of many programs we work with.
What do you offer Iowa soybean farmers?
I work closely with our team of conservation agronomists. We connect with farmers to discuss
their conservation goals for their farm and the agronomics behind in-field conservation practices that could fit into their farming operations. Practices include cover crops, no-till, strip-till and nutrient management.
I also offer support on edge-of-field practices, such as bioreactors, saturated buffers and oxbows, by tapping into other experts on our ISA conservation team. The conservation agronomists and I are well-versed in various costshare opportunities and conservation programs available from public and private sources. We can share datadriven insights and research findings by tapping into our research, agronomy, analytics and insights teams.
We strive to work collaboratively with many other partners. My work involves close partnerships with agricultural retailers across the state. I am engaged in building and leveraging a network of conservation agronomists through
our work with the Agriculture’s Clean Water Alliance (ACWA). I am also engaged with Practical Farmers of Iowa on a cover crop business accelerator program to grow cover crop businesses across the state.
What are some goals you would like to achieve in your position?
Imagine the day when half of Iowa’s row crop acres are seeded with cover crops. Currently, about 4 million of Iowa’s roughly 24 million row crop acres use cover crops. Reaching 12 million acres would be a major milestone.
My goal is to help Iowa soybean farmers improve their farms' productivity, profitability and long-term sustainability by integrating conservation practices that benefit both the bottom line and the environment. I help them as they work to leave the land better than they found it for future generations.
Continued on Pg. 10
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
What experience do you bring as a conservation agronomist?
Each year, inputs like fertilizer, seed, scouting and maintenance demand thousands of dollars per acre. With a background in ag retail, I understand the need to grow high-yielding crops while keeping farm businesses running. Conservation shouldn't come at a higher cost per acre.
Working with a start-up company in carbon credits and sustainability, I observed that conservation practices were feasible while yielding both financial and environmental benefits. Over the past few years, ISA has trained the conservation agronomist team on cost-share programs, made local connections with Natural Resources Conservation Service and Farm Service Agency offices, and evolved to make the conservation agronomist team field-ready for Iowa farmers.
What do you offer Iowa soybean farmers?
At RCFI, we collaborate to identify questions for farmers through research trial results and innovative ideas, striving to enhance benefits for farming operations in the state. Our conservation agronomist network extends beyond ISA, where we collectively work with private companies, government agencies and non-profit organizations to achieve high goals. Through these connections, our conservation agronomist network finds cost-share programs, 100% funded
opportunities, alternative ecosystem services programming funds, new products and more.
What are some goals you would like to achieve in your position?
I’m continuing to build our current relationship in eastern Iowa with the City of Cedar Rapids, where urban and rural areas support each other. Our work with city employees on the Middle Cedar Regional Conservation Partnership Program displays how this can be done. More than 400,000 acres of cover crops and more than 100 edge-of-field practices are in place in the Middle Cedar alone. Without the City of Cedar Rapids and our partners, this never would have happened. I want to continue the upward trend in cover crop acres and edge-of-field practices in years to come. I want to expand this positive relationship statewide to show how urban and rural communities are all in this together to enhance and sustain our most valuable resource: water.
We continue to work closely with our ag retailer partners and expand conservation in eastern Iowa to these locations. Ag retailers hold the relationships with their customers. ISA integration with ag retailers has been successful. While achieving these goals, we remain dedicated to serving our farmers. Whether it be fine-tuning your current nitrogen plan or adding cover crops across all of your acres, we can help you every step of the way.
Evan Brehm, conservation agronomist
Brock Webb, conservation agronomist
What experience do you bring as a conservation agronomist?
I worked across Iowa in the seed industry, focusing on corn and soybean seed production, while also conducting small plot field testing. The first time I saw farmers use cover crops as a tool was in 2014, as they saw a decrease in soil organic matter from intense crop management in seed corn production. As a beginning farmer myself, I have a desire to understand conservation practices and how to build more resilient soils for future generations. I enjoy collaborating with farmers and learning from their experiences.
What do you offer Iowa soybean farmers?
My agronomic background allows me to help farmers implement optimal management practices for new conservation techniques, tailored to their individual goals. Whether it's no-till, cover crops or deciding on the most efficient nitrogen plan, I provide technical assistance and help guide farmers on any cost-share programs that can help incentivize new practices. I frequently meet with farmers to understand their goals, then work alongside them to help them meet those goals.
I am an interim project manager for the Farm to River Partnership, a $3 million water quality initiative that began in 2018 to increase conservation farming practices on the land for improved water quality in the North Raccoon River Watershed.
The partnership is expanding farther in Sac and Greene Counties and I will be helping to increase the adoption of in-field practices such as cover crops, reduced tillage and nitrogen stabilizers as well as edge-of-field practices like saturated buffers, bioreactors and wetlands.
What are some goals you would like to achieve in your position?
I would like to use the knowledge and resources from the RCFI team to become a resource for farmers looking to adopt conservation practices into their operations and show that the long-term results will overcome the short-term challenges by providing unbiased advice.
What experience do you bring as a conservation services manager?
I grew up working for my uncles on their row crop and cow-calf farms in Marion County. I also worked on my parents' farm with my brother on habitat projects focused on removing invasive species and planting oak savannah trees. After college, I moved to West Virginia, where I began learning about various habitat restorations, including early successional forest management and grassland restoration. I also learned about wetlands while out there and the different functions and benefits they can provide. Since starting at ISA, I have learned how to design and restore oxbows and shallow water excavations. My work includes prairie restoration, where I collaborate with farmers to choose, ready and plant prairie areas on their farms.
What do you offer Iowa soybean farmers?
I offer Iowa farmers my technical expertise in edgeof-field practices. When farmers are interested in any conservation practices or have an area on their farm they want to convert to habitat or conservation and aren't sure what would work, I offer many practice or habitat options and potential cost-share opportunities to implement them on their farms. I offer a commonsense approach to conservation on unproductive ground and fitting projects to areas that address goals of the farmer and meet multiple conservation goals.
What are some goals you would like to achieve in your position?
I want to work with as many farmers as possible to implement conservation practices on their farms, showcasing that voluntary conservation at a large scale can have a significant impact, especially on endangered species like the Topeka shiner. Through our efforts working on a voluntary adoption of conservation practices, specifically oxbows, we are looking at downlisting the Topeka shiner from endangered to threatened.
Alex Buseman, conservation services manager
What experience do you bring as a conservation services manager?
My experience with conservation began around 2018, when I started pursuing an environmental science degree. I took every class I could find that revolved around water quality, sustainable agriculture and overall global sustainability. I also worked in the Agricultural Water Management Lab at Iowa State University (ISU) to gain hands-on experience in the field. Upon earning my bachelor's degree, I started a graduate research assistant position with the Water Quality Research Lab at ISU. I was actively involved in and managed numerous water quality research projects, eventually earning a master's degree in that field.
At ISA, my work involves water quality research, providing technical assistance and help to implement dozens of different conservation practices, including oxbows, bioreactors, saturated buffers, pollinator habitats and more.
I currently lead tracking efforts across all practices, ensuring the timely completion of projects. I serve as the primary point of contact between landowners, funding sources and contractors. I support practice design, oversee permitting, manage contracts and certify projects as complete.
What do you offer Iowa soybean farmers?
I have extensive experience and a strong background in various conservation practices. I help farmers assess their properties to identify opportunities for conservation, then provide conceptual designs to visualize the potential. I also participate in educational activities, including field days, ISA’s Innovation to Profit series of meetings and writing informative articles. My job is to make conservation adoption as easy as possible for Iowa farmers.
What are some goals you would like to achieve in your position?
Since the start of 2025, our goals is to deliver more than 120 different conservation practices to more than 50 landowners in Iowa. A major goal of mine is to maintain this productivity while remaining efficient and yielding high-quality results. I want to set a new standard for conservation in Iowa. I want to see ISA be recognized as a reliable source for quick and easy conservation efforts. Farmers should know the conservation team is available to answer questions and address concerns about water quality, soil health and farm sustainability. There is no dumb question, and it is our passion to address any farmer's needs.
Continued on Pg. 14
Rob Davis, watershed program manager
What experience do you bring as watershed program manager?
I bring more than a decade of experience, spanning land management to watershed planning, which I apply to help farmers and ISA team members implement conservation more quickly and efficiently. Keeping the perspective of the farm and field management in the forefront throughout the planning process helps everyone home in on what practice(s) may fit well within a farm operation, both from a cost and operational perspective.
Farm management is the same as the rest of life: managing risks and taking advantage of opportunities as they arise. Identifying reasonable opportunities and aligning costs is necessary to make the farm operation more manageable.
I work to advance conversations around best management practices (BMPs) through an on-demand approach, engaging with farmers when they show interest, rather than relying on delayed, desktop-based evaluations. Time is often the biggest constraint and may be the most critical factor in risk management, so reducing delays is a key focus of my work.
What do you offer Iowa soybean farmers?
I make conservation programs at ISA more effective by leveraging relationships, identifying opportunities, and using modeling to help soybean farmers access resources
and implement best practices. For farmers, a watershed plan functions much like a county master plan or farm budget — it's a localized, practical tool. When several farmers in the same area are interested in implementing BMPs, they become more competitive for funding. Ultimately, it's about helping farmers act on their conservation interests and connecting them with the support they need to do so more quickly and cost effectively.
What are some goals you would like to achieve in your position?
My goal is to collaborate with farmers to simplify the adoption of conservation practices and support ISA staff in enhancing the effectiveness of their conversations with farmers. Having maps of potential best management practices available during field conversations with conservation agronomists and farmers is effective and efficient.
Maps help visualize what a practice might look like, including its location, orientation, size and whether it aligns with current or future equipment.
Having these conversations sooner in the planning process makes the process simpler and can identify additional financial opportunities or mitigate risks that could occur further into the practice adoption cycle.
Contact Kriss Nelson at knelson@iasoybeans.com
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» An American honeybee hovers over a bloom in a vibrant prairie strip near Fort Atkinson.
Soy Snaps
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOCLYN KUBOUSHEK
A collection of images capturing Iowa in the summer of 2025.
» Rye plants under close examination in a field outside Paton.
» R2-D2 and C-3PO suit up for farm duty in this creative artwork at the
» Rows of soybeans thrive in the early summer sun near Protivin.
» Dave Struthers takes a moment to gaze out the window during a break from farming near Collins.
» Ron Heck shares stories and showcases equipment collected over decades of farming near Perry.
Art Farm Iowa in Northwood.
STORY BY
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
BETHANY BARATTA
JOCLYN KUBOUSHEK
As harvest nears, farmers focus on moisture levels, machine maintenance and grain storage. But for Mike Yegge, a soybean farmer and volunteer firefighter in Scarville, fire safety is always top of mind.
Yegge, who serves as an Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) District 2 director, brings a unique perspective to the farm. He’s witnessed field fires firsthand, and he’s also trained to respond to them.
His path into fire service began during his first career as a mechanical engineer with a Navy nuclear shipyard in Bremerton, Wash. While living in Washington, he earned
his Firefighter 1 certification.
“It started as a way to get involved in the community,” says Yegge, who returned to the family farm near Lake Mills in 2019. “That experience really shaped how I look at things now on the farm, especially during harvest.”
His family has seen firsthand the dangers of fire on the farm.
“My dad had two combine fires when I was younger,” Yegge recalls. “One happened when my dad was at the shop getting spare parts. The neighbor called to say the combine
was on fire. The other was an engine fire caused by leaking fluids and leftover bean chaff that hadn’t been cleaned off.”
Though no one was injured in the fires, it left an impression on Yegge.
As a firefighter and a farmer, fire safety is at the forefront year-round.
“A lot of people wait too long to call for help,” he says. “Conditions are never perfect to put out a fire. It’s best to be proactive.”
Continued on Pg. 20
Did you know?
A new soy-based fire suppressant, SoyFoam™ TF 1122 by Cross Plains Solutions, uses soybean meal instead of traditional foams that may contain PFAS — harmful ‘forever chemicals’ linked to health risks. The product was developed with support from U.S. soybean farmer-funded research.
Mike on the farm with girlfriend Rachel Bearbower and dogs Shep and Morty.
Fire Safety Tips
Yegge emphasizes the importance of preparation and awareness, especially when conditions are dry and windy. Here’s his harvest season fire safety checklist:
BEFORE HARVEST
Perform thorough maintenance:
• Grease and oil all moving parts.
• Inspect for worn bearings and potential binding.
• Clean engines and remove crop residue like bean chaff or corn dust.
Check and equip fire extinguishers:
• Place the correct type of extinguishers in combines and other harvest equipment.
• Include water tanks if possible for added fire suppression.
Train your team:
• Review fire response plans with employees or family members.
• Show them extinguisher locations and remind them of emergency contact protocols.
DURING HARVEST
Watch the weather:
• Don’t hesitate to shut down operations on dry, windy days, where fire presents a greater risk for spreading fires.
Let equipment cool down:
• Avoid stopping on corn stalks; opt for bean stubble or bare ground to minimize fire spread risk.
• Allow combines and other machinery to cool down before leaving them parked.
• Perform a walk-around inspection, checking for smells or signs of heat.
Have emergency access tools nearby:
• Keep a spare vehicle and cell phone close for a fast response.
• Tillage equipment can help dig firebreaks in an emergency.
Communicate clearly:
• Ensure everyone knows who to call and how to describe the location.
• Early response is critical, don’t delay calling 911.
Contact Bethany Baratta at bbaratta@iasoybeans.com
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SCAN TO LEARN MORE.
Approaching the Field Edge Differently
Mike Gilman
Senior Conservation Program Manager mgilman@iasoybeans.com
KEY INSIGHTS
1. Edge-of-field practices like bioreactors, saturated buffers and restored oxbows are effective tools for reducing nitrate runoff (35–60%) and improving water quality, while also benefiting wildlife habitats.
2. The batch and build model boosts efficiency and affordability by targeting high-impact sites, streamlining the process and reducing costs through grouped installations and strong partnerships.
3. Funding is available to help farmers and landowners implement these practices.
Iowa farmers and conservation professionals have worked together for many years to improve water quality across the state. One of the most promising approaches has been the implementation of edge-of-field practices, which intercept and treat water leaving agricultural fields, and before the water has the potential to affect streams, rivers and drinking water sources.
Among the most effective tools in this strategy are bioreactors, saturated buffers and restored oxbows. While these methods are scientifically proven and widely adaptable, they are not simple plug-and-play solutions. However, recent innovations in how these projects are deployed — especially through the “Batch and Build” model — have significantly increased their efficiency and affordability.
Bioreactors: a natural filter
Bioreactors are underground systems designed to reduce nitrate levels in tile-drained water. They work by rerouting water through a buried trench filled with
a carbon source, typically woodchips. As water flows through, beneficial microorganisms feed on the nitrate, converting it into harmless nitrogen gas that’s released into the atmosphere.
Key elements of bioreactors include:
• Nitrate reduction: 35–50%
• Installation: Typically placed on the edges of fields in grassed areas, such as CRP land, usually around or less than 3,000 square feet
• Benefits: Small installation area typically in set-aside areas
• Cost: $7,000–$12,000
Saturated buffers: harnessing nature
Saturated buffers use a different but equally effective approach. Tile water is diverted into perforated pipes installed beneath grassed buffer zones. As the water saturates the surrounding soil, plants and microbes absorb nutrients, preventing them from flowing into nearby waterways.
Bioreactor
Saturated buffer
Oxbow
Key elements of saturated buffers include:
• Nitrate reduction: 35-50%
• Installation: Typically placed in existing buffer strips utilizing 300-400 feet of perforated tile
• Benefits: Uses existing grassed buffer areas or low production acres
• Cost: $5,000–$7,000
Restored oxbows
Restored oxbows make use of past stream and river bends that have been closed off from the main waterway to slow and filter water leaving fields through tile drainage. This allows nutrients, sediment and potentially harmful chemicals to settle out and be removed while also providing habitat for many aquatic and amphibian species.
Key elements of restored oxbows include:
• Nitrate reduction: 60%
• Installation: Typically installed near rivers or streams where previous natural oxbows have been closed off
• Benefits: Water quality and habitat improvements
• Cost: Average $16,000, but varies by size and obstacles
Smarter planning with modern tools
Today’s edge-of-field conservation doesn’t start in the soil, it starts with data. Most projects begin by identifying high-priority areas using the Agricultural Conservation Planning Framework (ACPF). This GIS-based tool helps coordinators map potential sites for bioreactors and buffers. However, technology is just the starting point. After mapping, coordinators hit the road for visual surveys, looking for ideal slopes, tile outlets and suitable edge-offield zones. Once promising sites are identified, the next step is connecting with landowners to discuss the benefits and logistics of installation.
Batch and Build model
One of Iowa’s most successful and the first implementation of this model took place in Polk County, where a team installed 136 edge-of-field practices in two years. This success story became proof of concept for the Batch and Build model across the state.
Key elements of the batch and build model:
• Strategic targeting: Focused on high-potential sites using tools like ACPF
• Streamlined process: Simplified applications and funding coordination
• Lower costs: Contractors were more willing to bid on grouped projects, reducing mobilization expenses
• Collaboration: Strong partnerships between coordinators, landowners, contractors and government agencies
Thanks to this model, organizations like the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) are now leading similar projects statewide such as the Farm to River Partnership Project, Iowa Partners for Conservation and the Benton County Batch and Build project. In many cases these structures can be offered at a low cost or no cost to farmers and landowners.
ISA conservation professionals are expanding conservation implementation. Since January 2025, ISA has worked with nearly 75 landowners to implement edgeof-field practices across the state. In addition to this work, ISA has two Batch and Build projects currently underway in the Farm to River area, working to install 25 practices. An additional 15 practices are being installed in the Benton County Batch and Build project.
We continue to work with our partners to enroll additional projects to improve Iowa’s water quality and habitat opportunities.
Get involved
As Iowans, we take pride in producing the food and fuel that drives our economy and how we care for the land and water that sustain us. Edge-of-field practices offer a tangible way to demonstrate our commitment to stewardship and continuous improvement.
If you’re a farmer, landowner or simply passionate about conservation, now is the perfect time to get involved. Reach out to your local conservation agronomist or contact the ISA to explore how these practices can work on your land.
Joe Wuebker, former ISA conservation agronomist, contributed to this article.
Protecting Seed Innovation
A treasure trove of germplasm at risk as funding decisions loom
STORY BY BETHANY BARATTA PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOCLYN KUBOUSHEK
It’s difficult to determine just how much yield would have been lost had soybean varieties with PI88788 soybean cyst nematode (SCN) resistance not been made widely available to farmers in the late 1990s. Today, Iowa soybean growers have over 900 SCN-resistant varieties from which to choose. It’s because of the available germplasm — the genetic diversity that exists in our collections of plant introductions, land races, different soybeans, and wild relatives collected from around the world — that breeders are able to develop these resistant varieties to protect soybean yields.
Over the years, breeders have tapped into the National Soybean Germplasm Collection at the Agricultural Research Service lab in Urbana, Ill., to develop soybeans with valuable traits, like improved drought tolerance, by crossing multiple lines to build better performing plants, according to Michaela McGinn, director of sustainable production with the United Soybean Board.
“The SCN resistance sources Peking and PI88788 — both identified and developed by researchers/breeders — have shaped the body of work targeting soybean’s number one yield-robbing pest. The discovery and deployment of rhg1 and rhg4, the key genetic regions found responsible for SCN resistance, have made it possible to widely incorporate resistance into commercial varieties,” she says.
“The Kingwa line, also sourced from the collection, was the parental line researchers and breeders used to build soybean resistance to Phytophthora, a pathogen that causes root and stem rot in soybeans. Additionally, the repository provides data to the Germplasm Resources Information Network, which lets scientists track how soybeans have changed both on the outside (traits) and inside (genetics), guiding better decisions for the future of agriculture.” McGinn adds.
This seed bank houses thousands of unique soybean lines from around the world, including some from China, where soybeans were first grown. Many of these are old, wild types or land races, not the kind farmers would use to break a yield record today.
“These lines may not be your next high-yielding variety, but they are often the key to natural resistance — against sudden death syndrome, soybean cyst nematode, and other pressures that farmers face in the field,” says Joe McClure, chief officer of the Iowa Soybean Association’s (ISA) Research Center for Farming Innovation (RCFI).
Public and private researchers tap into the seed bank regularly. The germplasm is used in breeding, crossing heritage lines with newer lines to breed for specific resistance and other desirable traits. McClure reported more than 20,000 seed distributions go out to breeders who use these lines as raw material for innovation.
Michaela McGinn, USB Director of Sustainable Production
Ed Anderson, NCSRP Executive Director
Joe McClure, ISA RCFI Chief Officer
Funding in jeopardy
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) maintains the National Soybean Germplasm Collection. As of press time, the USDA’s proposed budget for FY 26 calls for the closing of this center and others in California and Delaware and shifting their work to other ARS labs.
The potential withdrawal of federal support for the soybean germplasm repository and for germplasm curation across all crops is concerning, says Ed Anderson, executive director of the North Central Soybean Research Program (NCSRP).
“Federal funding for basic and applied research is being eroded,” he says. “If support for germplasm preservation disappears, we’re slipping. We lose our edge as the most innovative and reliable agricultural system in the world.”
Unlike a private breeding program, where companies protect their own genetic material, the germplasm repository is a public resource.
“It’s not just seeds in a bag in a freezer,” Anderson says of the repository. “Seeds don’t last forever. They have to be grown out, harvested, and cataloged. That takes expertise, land, and longterm commitment. And most importantly, it takes funding.”
A living system
McClure compares the germplasm repository it to a bank. “You’re not just making withdrawals. You have to reinvest to keep it viable — and that means repopulating the seeds, making
sure the data and traits are tracked, and distributing clean, uncontaminated lines.”
Every seed sent out is one step in the breeding process that ends with better varieties in the hands of farmers. Public breeders like Dr. Danny Singh at Iowa State University rely on the repository to discover novel traits.
What’s at stake?
Without support for the repository, the pipeline of new traits — especially those that come from natural resistance — will dry up. That means fewer tools to fight emerging diseases, fewer options to adapt to a changing climate, and more reliance on expensive, engineered solutions, Anderson says.
“Most of the genetic base in today’s commercial soybeans comes from 14 to 17 original parents,” says Anderson, who retired as the senior director of research at ISA in 2023. “But there are thousands of untapped lines in the repository. Each one could be the key to solving tomorrow’s problem.”
Anderson, McClure, and advocates hope funding remains, but the germplasm repository’s long-term future remains uncertain.
“This is checkoff dollars and public effort working together in the best way — nonpartisan, science-based, focused on what matters for farmers,” Anderson says. “Without these basic resources, we don’t feed the research pipeline. And without that, we don’t feed the world.”
Contact Bethany Baratta at bbaratta@iasoybeans.com
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Kyle Brinkman’s journey with the Iowa Soybean Association
STORY BY BETHANY BARATTA PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOCLYN KUBOUSHEK
Northwest Iowa farmer Kyle Brinkman wears many hats. He’s a cattleman, a pork producer, a soybean and corn grower. He’s also an ag lender in Pocahontas. But his involvement in the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) began with a free shirt, not a hat.
Brinkman responded to the association’s membership drive one year ago. After joining as a member, he won a shirt. ISA Producer Services Coordinator Paige Whitney hand-delivered the ISA-branded shirt during soybean harvest.
That field visit was the beginning of his journey within ISA. With over 25 years on the Pocahontas County Farm Bureau board — including time as a voting delegate — Brinkman had a strong foundation in ag policy. When Whitney came by with the ISA shirt, Brinkman mentioned his experience and his interest in helping.
By December, he was a voting delegate, representing farmers’ interests in the delegate session at ISA’s policy meeting.
Though Brinkman doesn’t consider himself a policy expert, he values being part of the process. “We’ve got to have grassroots policy,” he says. “We can’t just let someone in a (political) office decide what we stand for. It needs to come from people like us — from farmers.”
One issue that recently caught his attention was seed oils, and the talk of banning soybean oil from food products.
“We get paid for the oil part of the bean — you can’t separate that out from the meal,” Brinkman says. “That’d be a big deal.”
The effects of reduced consumer vegetable oils and fats consumption would cause farm-level losses, according to an economic analysis by the World Agricultural Economic and Environmental Services, funded by the United Soybean Board and published in March.
Soybean prices would fall by an average of over 3% per year over the calendar year 2026-2035 period and farmer returns by about 7%, according to the analysis. But overall crop cash receipts would drop by $3 billion per year, and farm income would fall by about $2 billion dollars. Soybean area would decrease by a yearly average of 2.8 million acres between 2026 and 2035.
It would a big deal for consumers, too. It is estimated that consumers would pay an additional 42.8% per year for the potential loss of seed oils in food production, according to the analysis. Meat supplies to consumers would also fall by over 12 pounds per year, as higher meal prices from lower oilseed processing margins would increase feed costs for animals, whose diets depend heavily on soy meal.
Participating as a voting delegate and staying involved in the association through regular policy updates thanks to his ISA Advocate Membership is another step in his ISA journey. His participation helps preserve farms like his into the fifth generation.
“We need strong, updated policy so when our lobbyists go to Des Moines or D.C., they can say, ‘Here’s what Iowa farmers believe in.’ And that policy has to come from us,” he says.
Brinkman and his brother Gus grow soybeans and corn near Rolfe. They also custom feed 5,000 head of hogs between two 2,500-head finishing barns. While Gus handles most of the hog chores, Brinkman receives part of the manure for fertilizer. He and his son Joel also feed out dairy-cross calves from two local dairies. He also credits his wife, Candace, who supports farming on and off the farm.
“It’s always been part of me to promote what we do,” says Brinkman. “We’re in the minority now — there aren’t many farmers left — and people don’t always understand what goes into this life,” he says. “That’s why I get involved.”
Brinkman’s deep roots in livestock agriculture shape his perspective. “I’ve always liked livestock, even as a kid,” he said. “I’m a fourth-generation cattle feeder. In fact, we got the Heritage Farm Award because our farm has been in the same family for 150 years.”
That livestock focus ties back to soybeans too. “I know soybeans aren’t cattle,” he says, laughing, “but that’s where soybeans go-into livestock feed. So to me, it’s all connected.”
Contact Bethany Baratta at bbaratta@iasoybeans.com
Elevate your farmer voice by joining as an ISA Advocate Member.
Your paid Advocate Membership empowers ISA to positively influence policy and regulatory matters impacting the U.S. soybean industry. We leverage your non-checkoff investment with additional partnerships to engage at the state and federal level to enhance the competitiveness of your farm. To learn more go to iasoybeans.com/membership.
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A HOME-GROWN LEGACY
A legacy of faith. A tradition of farming. A future rooted in both.
Advocacy Through Agriculture
Some people know Spencer farmer Chuck White through his involvement and advocacy of the Clay County Fair — he’s a secondgeneration fair board member. Others have long admired his conservation efforts in northern Iowa. Friends around the world know White through his hospitality.
Recently, he picked up another title: Advocate for Iowa Agriculture.
The Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) recently recognized White as the 2025 Advocate for Iowa Agriculture. Presented by Bayer, the award recognizes White’s tireless efforts to promote and protect the future of Iowa farming.
Known for his dedication to sharing the real story of agriculture, White has become a familiar voice both in his local community and across the state.
A lifelong farmer, White grew up in Clay County on a diversified livestock and crop operation. “We had a lot of cattle and hogs and also raised soybeans and corn,” he says. That set the stage for a career rooted in innovation and sustainability. Today, White farms with his son and daughterin-law, Patrick and Gina White, carrying on the tradition.
Chuck White honored for advancing Iowa farming
STORY BY BETHANY BARATTA
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOCLYN KUBOUSHEK
“We’ve got a diversified operation, and we really enjoy working with no-till, strip-till and cover crops,” White says.
They started implementing cover crops on their fields about 10 years ago; installing saturated buffers, bioreactors and other edge-of-field practices have also improved soil health and water quality.
“We try to do things the right way,” White says. “My motto is: Try to do it better every year.”
His efforts extend beyond the boundaries of his fields. Whether hosting international trade delegations, speaking on farmer panels, or engaging audiences on social media, he embraces every opportunity to represent Iowa’s agriculture industry.
“It’s not only about facts,” says White, who retired from his service on the ISA board of directors in 2024.
“It’s about how we as farmers and our farm families are invested in this land. We live here, we work here, and we
want to have a safe environment and a very productive farm for the future that’s sustainable.”
Part of his mission is showcasing his efforts to those who might be unfamiliar with agriculture — at the fair, on social media, and by striking up conversations with others.
“You have to get out there and talk to these people,” he says. “They are always interested in what you’re doing on your farms, and those consumers are always looking for new information.”
He’s just as eager to listen and learn as he is to share, he says.
“As you go through life, you’re learning all the time,” White says. “When I’m not telling the story of agriculture, I’m learning from fellow farmers and consumers.”
White’s involvement with the ISA began in the early 2000s, particularly through its Research Center for Farming Innovation. He credits the experience with shaping his perspective and deepening his
On the farm near Spencer, where crops and conservation are
commitment to science-based decision making on the farm.
He also played a key role in the ISA’s “Front 40” initiative, where he was recognized as an influencer for his leadership in sustainable practices.
“That’s really something I enjoy — visiting with other farmers that want to learn about what I’m doing, especially the young folks,” he says.
Receiving the Advocate for Iowa Agriculture Award is humbling, he says.
“I was really kind of shocked,” White admits. “It really meant a lot to me. During my tenure on the board we were always looking for ways to help the public understand what agriculture was about. We wanted to make sure they had a good handle on where we were at and how we were doing environmentally.”
Contact Bethany Baratta at bbaratta@iasoybeans.com
ISA Marketing Coordinator Mickayla Jordan contributed to this story.
Clockwise: Samantha Davis of Bayer presented White with the Advocate for Iowa Agriculture Award.
Chuck admires the opening of the Port of Blencoe, a hub for soybean shipments on Iowa's west coast.
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*Aggregate data averaging leading competitor brand means from 2024 OVT and FIRST Trials from DE, IA, IL, IN, KS, MI, MN, MO, ND, NE, OH, PA, SD, and WI. 208 trials and 2,561 data points.
